Sample acute stroke protocol for 64-section MDCT scanner: NCCT, vertex-to-arch CTA with cardiac component, and standard cine CTP
| Location | Section Thickness (mm) | Image Spacing (mm) | Pitch | kV | mA | Gantry Rotation Time (s) | Contrast Administration | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCCT | C1 to vertex | 5 | 5 | 0.531:1 | 120 | 250 | 0.7 | |
| CTA | Vertex to 1 cm below carina | 1.25 | 0.625 | 0.516:1 | 120 | 420 | 0.5 | 4 mL/s; volume, 40-mL contrast |
| Cardiac | Carina to just below diaphragm | 0.625 | 0.625 | 1:1 | 120 | 420 | 0.35 | Repeat after 45-second delay |
| Cine CTP | Selected by neuroradiologist | 4-cm slab | N/A | N/A | 80 | 200 | 1 | 7 mL/s; volume, 35 mL |
Note:—NCCT indicates noncontrast CT; N/A, not applicable; MDCT, multidector row CT; CTA, CT angiography; CTP, CT perfusion .